Today I’m talking with embroidery designer and soon-to-be author Melissa Galbraith of McreativeJ. We’ve loved getting to know Melissa over the past year as she was an early maker on the Making app, joined many of our online gatherings, and has shared her love of embroidery and passion for teaching others. Next spring she’s releasing her first book, How to Embroider Texture and Pattern : 20 Designs That Celebrate Pattern, Color, and Pop-Up Stitching, so make sure to keep an eye out! I love Melissa’s down to earth approach not only to embroidery and crafting in general, but also when it comes to building a business. I think you’ll feel encouraged and inspired. You can find Melissa on the Making app @melissa-mcreativej and on Instagram at @mcreativej.
We believe that the simple act of making can transform your life and in turn change our world. This is why Making exists. It all starts with inspiration. We’re inspired by people, by places, by experiences—a beautiful photo, a soft wool, a kind heart. These are the things that motivate us to make.
Making is here to disrupt systems—systems of oppression, systems that only benefit certain groups of people, and systems that extract. We’re here to challenge the narrative of profit over people. We believe a company can be founded for the purpose of good and change the world for better, while also creating opportunity at scale. Makers are tired of the monoliths. The few companies that comprise our only choices of how we connect, how we transact, and how we learn.
Makers are ready for a better alternative and that is what we are building.
Becoming a BRIGHT Collective member helps us accomplish this. Visit makingzine.com to learn more.
The biggest of thanks to everyone involved in this weeks episode. I hope you’ll join me each week as we talk and learn from more fascinating makers. For podcast notes and transcriptions, visit our blog at makingzine.com. Have a wonderful week!
Music by Despatches. 💖
Download the Making app and join our amazing community of makers by visiting themakingapp.com
If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com.
See you in the Making app!
ps- We talk about our values a lot. Just in case you're curious, take a peek.
Episode 21: Flying Fibers – Heritage breeds, Amish pastures, English roots and Building family legacy
Episode 20: Stephen West – Rhythm, Improvisation, Supermodel and Amsterdam
Episode 19: Ashli Tyre – Mount Rainier, Navajo weaving, Natural dyeing and process
Episode 18: Nan Bray – Active shepherding, drought, superfine Merino and reflections.
Episode 17: Kristine Vejar and Molly de Vries – Indian textiles, natural dyeing, perfection and living a non-disposable life
Episode 16: Michael Hampton and Tamara White – Vermont fiber farming and milling, Shetland sheep and overcoming fear
Episode 15: Kim Goodling and Sue Blacker – Gotland sheep, building a fiber mill, raising kids on a farm and rare breeds.
Episode 14: Andrea Mowry and Shelli Westcott – Taking leaps, fiber awareness, local yarns and the love of knitting
Episode 13: Jocelyn Tunney and Sasha Duerr – Organic fiber, realizing dreams, regeneration and permaculture
Episode 12: Annie Rowden and Benjamin Hole – Farm and fiber life, adaptation, design and the Isle of Purbeck
Episode 11: Local Color Fiber Studio & Chris Barnes – Natural dye farming, partnerships, domestic production and sustainability
Episode 10: Maryanne Moodie & Woolcrush – Falling into fiber arts, Natural dyeing, Dedication and Building communities
Episode 9: Karen Templer & Felicia Semple – Handmade wardrobes, Intentional making, Stashes and Talent
Episode 8: Ioana van Deurzen – Woolen heritage and legacy, Romanian sheep, purpose and Moeke Yarns
Episode 7: Caroline Kaufman & Michele Wang – Knitting in fashion, color, working for yourself and gauge and tension
Episode 6: Jennifer King & Bristol Ivy – Generational gaps, fiber industry passion, building a fiber farm and sheep dreams.
Episode 5: Julie Hoover & Deedee Morris – Fiber communities, dyeing, discovery and design
Episode 4: Matt Gilbert & Melody Hoffman – Nomadic knitting, self-sustainability, shearing and building a fiber mill
Episode 3: Jacqui Fink & Julia Billings – Local fiber, Natural Dyeing, Dreams and Revelations
Episode 2: Jerome Sevilla & Sarah Higgins – Design, Thrifting, Sashiko and Recycling Yarn
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